French Polynesia & the Society Islands Cruise

Flying to French Polynesia
Fly from the UK to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with flights routing via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Paris.

Arriving in Papeete
You will arrive in the early hours of the following morning and be transferred to Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts on the shores of Lafayette Beach, Papeete.

Your First Night in Tahiti
Rest, settle in and begin to feel the pace of the islands. Matavai Bay — the same bay that greeted Captain Cook — lies just outside your window.

Papeete is a lively and characterful capital
Papeete is a lively and characterful capital. Wander through Le Marché, the bustling municipal market, where local produce, black pearls and handcrafted goods fill the stalls.

Tahiti's History and Culture
Beyond the market, the waterfront promenade and the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands offer a genuine introduction to Polynesian history and culture.

Dinner at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
Return to the hotel for the evening. The Hiti Mahana Restaurant and Bay Bar are the perfect spot to enjoy a last dinner ashore before boarding tomorrow.

The Magical Island
Said to have inspired James Michener's mythical Bali Hai, Moorea's jagged volcanic peaks and turquoise lagoon make it one of the most striking islands in the South Pacific.

Opunohu Valley and Cook's Bay
An optional 3.5-hour island tour takes you through the lush Opunohu Valley, past Cook's Bay and up towards Mount Tohi'e'a, with a stop at the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory along the way. Opunohu Valley and Cook's Bay An optional 3.5-hour island tour takes you through the lush Opunohu Valley, past Cook's Bay and up towards Mount Tohi'e'a, with a stop at the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory along the way.

Swimming in Moorea's Lagoon
The morning is spent at anchor with swimming, snorkelling and watersports from Panorama II's platform before departing for Raiatea in the evening.

Faraway Heaven
Raiatea — whose name translates as faraway heaven — is regarded as the sacred homeland of the ancient Polynesians and the cultural heartland of the Society Islands.

The Faaroa River and Pearl Farm
Optional activities include a trip along the Faaroa River — the only navigable river in French Polynesia — by outrigger canoe, and a visit to the Anapa family pearl farm.

Overnight in Raiatea
Panorama II remains in port overnight, giving you a peaceful evening on deck with time to enjoy dinner and the stillness of the lagoon as night falls.

Vanilla Island
Taha'a shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea and is known throughout French Polynesia as Vanilla Island — its fertile valleys filled with orchid plantations, banana groves and coconut palms.

Vanilla Plantation and Rum Distillery
An optional excursion combines a visit to a vanilla plantation and a local rum distillery with snorkelling in the clear lagoon — a vivid introduction to Taha'a's flavours and landscapes.

Setting Sail for Bora Bora
After an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling from the ship's platform, Panorama II departs late evening for Bora Bora.

The Crown Jewel of the Pacific .
Few places live up to their reputation as completely as Bora Bora. The lagoon is an extraordinary shade of turquoise and the silhouette of Mount Otemanu rising above the water is one of the most recognised views in the world The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Few places live up to their reputation as completely as Bora Bora. The lagoon is an extraordinary shade of turquoise and the silhouette of Mount Otemanu rising above the water is one of the most recognised views in the world.

Mount Otemanu and Matira Point
An optional excursion aboard Le Truck takes you on a 2.5-hour journey around the island, passing through villages adorned with ancient marae and ending at Matira Point with its uninterrupted views across the lagoon.

An Evening in Bora Bora
Panorama II remains in port overnight — time for a sundowner on deck, a stroll along the waterfront or simply watching the light fade over the lagoon as the evening draws in.

A Second Day in Bora Bora
One day in Bora Bora is never quite enough. Use this second day to explore further — by joining an optional lagoon excursion, hiring a bicycle or simply spending time in the water.

Swimming with Stingrays and Sharks
Optional lagoon excursions offer the chance to swim with stingrays and reef sharks in the shallow turquoise water and snorkel over coral gardens teeming with marine life.

Farewell to Bora Bora
Panorama II departs late evening for Huahine. Stay on deck as you leave — the view of Bora Bora's lights reflected on the lagoon as the ship pulls away is not easily forgotten.

The Garden of Eden
Huahine is one of the least-visited islands in the Society Islands and all the more rewarding for it — lush, unhurried and home to the largest concentration of ancient marae in French Polynesia.

Sacred Sites and the Blue-Eyed Eels of Faie
An optional half-day tour visits the villages of Maeva and a vanilla plantation. The highlight for many is Faie Bay, where the sacred blue-eyed eels revered in Polynesian culture can be seen and fed.

Overnight Sailing to Papeete
Panorama II departs after lunch, sailing overnight back to Papeete — a gentle end to the voyage with a final dinner under the stars.

Disembarkation in Papeete
Panorama II arrives in Papeete in the morning. After a final breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place at 9am and you are transferred to Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts.

A Final Afternoon in Tahiti
Your last afternoon is yours to spend as you wish — perhaps a return to Le Marché, a walk along the waterfront or time by the pool before your evening flight home.

Au Revoir, French Polynesia
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts makes a fitting final base — calm, comfortable and still very much part of the islands you have spent the last week exploring.

Departure from Papeete
After a final breakfast at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts, transfer to Papeete airport for your overnight flight home, routing via Los Angeles, San Francisco or Paris.

Leaving French Polynesia
The long flight home gives you time to reflect on ten nights in one of the world's most beautiful destinations — the turquoise lagoons, the volcanic peaks and the warmth of the islands.

Arriving Back in the UK
You will arrive back in the UK the following morning, having spent ten unforgettable nights exploring the Society Islands of French Polynesia.